This work outlines a research on tensegrity structures, currently under
development at the Department of Structural and Foundation Engineering of the
Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo. A methodology is proposed
to simulate de erection of tensegrity cable-domes, which can conveniently
represented by a set of nonlinear, geometrically exact truss and cable
elements, together with some of their specializations, in particular, a kind
of truss element capable of sustaining a constant normal load (in tension or
compression), and a cable element capable of representing ideal or non-ideal
sliding between the cable and other objects. These elements have been
implemented in the PEFSYS finite element code. Then the paper reviews some
alternative methods of simulation, as presented in literature. The proposed
methodology was applied to the simulation of the assembling sequence of some
tensegrity simplexes and of a large cable dome. The paper discusses the main
aspects of the simulations performed, investigating some possible operational
problems, as the influence of the non-synchronous actuation of hydraulic
jacks on geometry and force distribution among the structure components.